Senior Technical Specialist – Transit/utilities

Senior Technical Specialist – Transit/Utilities

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? We believe transportation is more than movement—it's the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you'll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn't just a job—it's a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

Senior Utility Coordinator

HDR is looking for a Senior Utility Coordinator to join our Transportation Business Group in the NY/NJ area. This individual will help support a growing full services highway and civil engineering team. This highly motivated individual should be experienced in the process of coordinating utilities in relation to transportation project design and applicable utility agreement documentation. They will support the client, project managers, and task/discipline leads on a daily basis. Specific duties and responsibilities will include the following:

• Communicate and coordinate with utility companies and the project team specific to the design process and schedule and per standard client practices and requirements
• Develop and maintain accurate records of utility coordination efforts and delivery and receipt of documentation, including routine updates for the client and project team
• Develop and coordinate utility agreements and memoranda of agreements between utility companies and the client as applicable to the project design
• Coordinate with utility companies to obtain, review, and maintain utility-specific documentation (ie, prior rights, as-builts, encroachment permits, betterments, no-cost letters, standards and specifications, etc.)
• Develop, maintain, and update utility-specific cost estimates applicable to the project design to inform utility documentation and the project team
• Support the project team with documentation and maintenance of records specific to utility costs and applicable reimbursements from utility companies
• Review utility design plans for compliance with applicable utility company requirements, contract requirements, and utility agreements
• Review project design plans for utility conflicts and evaluation of feasible alternatives for mitigation
• Prepare and update utility reports and applicable data specific to proposed project design
• Prepare specifications and contract documents
• Perform complex assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of standard engineering techniques and procedures
• Participate in project coordination meetings
• Function as a Technical Specialist or Project Manager on projects as needed, but project management is not the sole focus of this position
• Produce and/or oversee the development of utility plans, specifications, and estimates and support the development of other discipline design plans specific to utility relocations and conflicts
• Develop and review schedules and provide support for schedule updates
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience
• Strong decision-making skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple long- and short-term tasks simultaneously
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to travel to NY/NJ project sites and client offices
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
• Preference is given to local candidates

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering or related field of study or equivalent work experience
• A minimum of 15 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported
• Aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with computer applications specific to the discipline to be supported
• Extensive knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported
• Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary environments
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) {New York, NY}: $131,075 - $187,250

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.